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Through the Sheffield BIOARCH Project, we focus on three key priorities:

Enhancement
We aim for a full reorganisation of the collection layout, the purchase and installation of new equipment, and the creation of an electronic catalogue to replace the current paper card index of the archaeobotany specimens. Sheffield BIOARCH will ensure that the collections directly support current and emerging research projects, benefiting staff, students, and external collaborators.

Expansion
Taking current space constraints into account, future growth will focus primarily on strengthening Sheffield’s exceptional bird skeletal reference collection, reinforcing our position as a national centre of excellence for the identification of archaeological bird remains. The acquisition of new specimens for the archaeobotany collection is also included and will be targeted and selective. Specimens will be sourced from national and international herbaria, scientific retailers, botanic gardens, and field surveys.

Accessibility
The collections will be open to visitors two days per month, free of charge, to encourage wider engagement from students, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts. At other times, access will be subject to bench fees, with opportunities to apply for financial support through the RICHeS programme.

Two RICHeS Technical Specialists (in zooarchaeology and archaeobotany) will play a key role in delivering these objectives. They will lead essential upgrades, improve curation and outreach, and help ensure that the collections remain a national asset for years to come.

SHEFF BIOARCH is a collaborative project delivered in partnership with Historic England's science facility at Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth and the University of Aberdeen’s Department of Archaeology. Together, these institutions form a network of hubs that ensures heritage science collections, equipment, expertise, and resources are accessible across the UK.